Eleanor’s Story
Expert advice and guidance through every step of the process facilitated a smooth and successful move to Assisted Living.
Eleanor*, a WWII veteran in her 90’s was living alone with no relatives close by who were able to provide assistance. Her daughter-in-law, Mia, flew in from Michigan to help her transition to a more supportive living arrangement. This was no small task as Mia needed to become power of attorney and health care proxy, put Eleanor’s house on the market, research local assisted living communities, and figure out how to pay for it all.
When Mia visited a Senior Living Residence’s community north of Boston MA on a friend’s recommendation things started to get easier. The community’s Executive Director showed Mia the community and Mia fell in love with the location and views. More importantly, the community introduced Mia to other residents, some of them veterans, and Mia heard first-hand that they loved the lifestyle and staff. She was ready to bring Eleanor for a visit and move to the next step, but finances were a big concern.
“Eleanor is living her best life! I have to call her before breakfast before she begins her packed day of activities.”
– Mia, daughter-in-law
Mia has advice for other families: Find an Assisted Living community that is a good match. Eleanor was always very active and proud of being a veteran; she wanted a community to match her interests. Meeting the programming director and seeing the calendar of activities in advance were key to her decision to move.
Help Accessing Financial Assistance
When Eleanor and Mia sat with the Executive Director to discuss finances, they were thrilled to learn that the community would actively assist in obtaining every available financial resource to make the move affordable.
They learned about the Veteran’s Benefit, which they did not know existed, and were connected with a local organization, Elder Resource Benefits Consulting, that did all the paperwork. Mia said, “They were fantastic and made everything so easy.” The Executive Director also walked them through the process of applying for the PACE national medical insurance program which reduced Eleanor’s medical bills and contributed to her monthly rental fee. PACE is designed to provide all necessary medical supportive services in the least institutionalized setting for qualified older adults. Finally, Eleanor was put on the waiting list for the community’s low incoming housing program “LIHTC”, and when she qualified several months after moving in she saw another decrease in her monthly bill.
The expert advice and assistance they received resulted in Eleanor paying a reduced monthly rate, one of the lowest in the area for Assisted Living.
Moving in and Getting Acclimated
The community coordinated with a moving company to make things easier for Mia. Once settled into her new apartment home, the community’s EnrichedLife Director got busy introducing Eleanor to people with like-minded interests, including other veterans. Her photo was added to the community’s Wall of Veterans. She was introduced to painting, a newfound hobby that she loves. And she quickly became involved in many other activities, including morning yoga.
Mia said that the community feel and programming is “healthy for body, mind and soul”, but Eleanor told her what she appreciates most of all is the loving, caring staff and new friends she has met.
Financial Options in Assisted Living:
- Paying for Assisted Living award-winning ebook (Demystifies the often frustrating and anxiety-producing process of searching for a senior community for a loved one.)
- Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit
- Assisted Living may be tax deductible
- Additional options to supplement monthly rental fees
More Information
For more about available financial options that help pay for the cost of Assisted Living, please visit our Financial Options section.
